Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is one of those simple dishes that somehow feels special every single time it hits the table. With juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, it’s light but still satisfying, making it perfect for busy evenings or slower family dinners alike. I love how it comes together with barely any effort, yet still looks beautiful enough to serve to guests. This is the kind of recipe you reach for when you want something fresh, comforting, and reliable without turning on the stove. Caprese salad works just as well for a quiet lunch as it does for sharing at the table, and it never feels heavy or fussy.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

There’s something comforting about a recipe that doesn’t demand much but delivers every time. This dish is all about clean flavors and easy assembly, which makes it ideal for weeknight-friendly meals or last-minute plans. It’s cozy in its simplicity, budget-conscious, and flexible enough to fit almost any menu. You can serve it as a side, a light main, or part of a larger spread without extra work. Caprese salad is also great for leftovers, since the ingredients stay fresh and appealing with minimal effort. It’s the kind of recipe people love to save because it feels calm, approachable, and always welcome on the table.

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Ingredients

Tip: Choose ripe but firm tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.

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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Wash and dry the tomatoes and basil well. Slice the tomatoes into even rounds and cut the mozzarella to a similar thickness. Lay everything out so it’s easy to assemble, keeping the colors bright and clean.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
There’s no cooking here, which is part of the charm. Let the mozzarella sit at room temperature for a few minutes so it softens slightly. This brings out a creamier texture and a more mellow aroma.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
On a large plate or shallow bowl, alternate tomato slices and mozzarella. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the layers, adjusting as you go until the plate looks full but not crowded.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Drizzle olive oil evenly over the top, then add balsamic glaze in thin lines. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Let it rest for a few minutes so the flavors gently settle before serving.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This recipe saves time because there’s no cooking, no special equipment, and very little cleanup. Everything can be prepped ahead and assembled right before serving. It’s ideal for Pinterest users who plan meals in advance and want something dependable that still feels fresh and thoughtful, even on hectic days.

Tips & Tricks

Variations

Meaty Version
Add thin slices of prosciutto or grilled chicken breast around the plate. The salty, savory notes pair well with the creamy mozzarella and juicy tomatoes, turning the salad into a more filling option without changing its relaxed, fresh feel.

Vegetarian Option
Mix in sliced avocado or a spoonful of burrata for extra creaminess. This keeps the dish vegetarian while adding richness and a soft texture that feels comforting, especially when served as a light main.

Ingredient Swap
If fresh mozzarella isn’t available, use sliced bocconcini or even thick-cut mozzarella logs. Stick with mild, fresh cheese to keep the flavors gentle and balanced rather than sharp or overpowering.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Try adding a pinch of dried oregano or a few torn mint leaves along with the basil. This subtle change brings a new layer of aroma while still keeping the salad familiar and easygoing.

Serving Suggestions

Storage Instructions

Recipe Timing

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 250–300 per serving
Protein: 10–14g
Key nutrients include calcium from mozzarella and vitamin C from tomatoes. Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and added extras.

FAQs

Conclusion

This is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again because it fits so easily into real life. It’s flexible, forgiving, and simple enough to adjust based on what you have on hand. Whether you serve it as a side, a light meal, or part of a bigger spread, caprese salad always feels comforting and familiar. Don’t be afraid to tweak the herbs, swap ingredients, or make it your own. It’s meant to be relaxed and enjoyed, shared at the table without stress, and remembered as one of those cozy dishes that just works.

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Caprese Salad

Recipe by Edan SalamonCourse: Salad Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

300

kcal

Caprese salad is a simple, fresh dish made with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. It’s light yet satisfying, perfect for busy days when you want something quick but comforting. This no-cook recipe comes together in minutes and works beautifully as a side dish, light lunch, or easy dinner addition.

Ingredients

• 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze

• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions

• Wash and dry the tomatoes and basil. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into even rounds.
• Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices alternately on a serving plate.
• Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices.
• Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the top.
• Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Notes
  Use ripe but firm tomatoes for the best texture.
  Let mozzarella sit at room temperature for better flavor.
  Add seasoning just before serving to avoid excess moisture.